Abstract
Children with perinatally acquired parenchymal haemorrhage are thought to have better
visual perceptual skills than those with leukomalacia. We examined seven prematurely
born children with parenchymal haemorrhage and 14 with grades 2–4 leukomalacia, at
the age of 5 years. Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging parameters were related
to visual perceptual performance assessed with the L94, using performance age. Belonging
to the leukomalacia group, the inability to walk, a diminished peritrigonal white
matter, a high degree of gliosis and cortical damage were associated with poorer visuo-perceptual
skills. Enlarged lateral ventricles, confirming the findings of Melhelm (Radiology
214 (2000) 199), were associated with both cognitive, perceptual and motor problems
and probably reflect the considerable extent of the brain damage. Specific factors
protecting against visual perceptual impairment were a preserved volume of the right
optical radiation and of the splenium of the corpus callosum. Children with leukomalacia
are at considerable risk of visual perceptual impairment. Children with right-sided
parenchymal haemorrhages also appear to be at risk although they function much better
due to better motor and cognitive skills.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
July 28,
2003
Received in revised form:
July 28,
2003
Received:
June 5,
2002
Identification
Copyright
© 2003 Elsevier B.V. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
